Tactical Carbine low cost build.

syncro

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I have just purchased a Norinco CQ off a friend for $500 flat, it only has 100 rounds put through it so it's pretty much new. I just hit up Ebay, Amazon and various other sights for a bunch of accessories to customize it to my liking.

Over the next few weeks I will be updating this thread with all the info on how to build a decent zombie gun for those who don't want to spend a small fortune. Bear in mind, even though I used the term " zombie gun" I am not a call of duty playing nerd that dumps a bunch of money into "LCF" Although it WILL look beautiful, it is a purpose built weapon first and foremost. The purpose being a simple, durable, quick acquiring short - mid range target rifle.

I will be including links, prices and unbiased reviews on all the things involved. I am no carbine expert but I have handled quite a few weapons system both domestic and overseas. Hopefully i will be able to help out a few people that desire a good looking, good shooting tactical carbine for a surprisingly low price.

This is how it looks now, the beginning if you will.

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Sounds interesting for sure!

Although for what you're describing it pretty much looks good to go. Maybe a red-dot to supplement the Acog and a more comfortable butt-stock. I don't think there's any shame in running a stock AR.

But where's the fun in leaving things as they are?

Also: I do hope your friend wasn't foolish enough to include that acog in the $500 :p
 
Sounds interesting for sure!

Although for what you're describing it pretty much looks good to go. Maybe a red-dot to supplement the Acog and a more comfortable butt-stock. I don't think there's any shame in running a stock AR.

But where's the fun in leaving things as they are?

Also: I do hope your friend wasn't foolish enough to include that acog in the $500 :p


It will definitely serve it purpose as is but will do so more efficently with the upcoming modifications. I had the acog from a while back, i wish it was a part of the deal.

"Why the hate for COD ?"

No hate, just for clarification purposes. Plus im a battlefield man;)
 
The first batch of items arrived and I installed them asap. So far so good.

B.A.D. Lever - $26.68 from Amazon. Easy to install and makes the operation of platform much more efficient. Such a simple yet effective concept, I highly recommend.

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UAG (not UTG) quad rail with covers - $39.95 from amazon. I don't understand why some people sell quad rails for $100+ when these are pretty much the same as all other quad rails I've used at a fraction of the cost. Easy to mount, solid construction, comes with quality covers. If you're looking for a good quality rail for a great price i recommend these.

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Tapco intrafuse vertical grip - $21.26 from Amazon. Ever since i adopted the Costa style grip i wanted a stubby vert grip. This grip is perfect size and lightweight. simple and effective, nothing fancy. I recommend this grip for someone looking for a stubby style.

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UTG defender tac light - $35.92 from Amazon. Let me start off by saying that this night is not in the same class as a surefire so no need to compare. Considering the price i was very very surprised with how solid and well built this light is. Great craftsmanship with all the accessories you need. It came with the light, light mount, batteries and pressure switch with Velcro. I don't think there is a better light on the market for that price, I highly recommend.

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3M grip tape - Canadian tire $9.99. Self explanatory really. Adds some grip to desired surfaces. Just make sure you file down the factory grips before you try to stick these on. its all preference but i like it.

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The rifle is still not done but these are a few pics to show the progress.

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ProMag Ambi plate single point sling attachment - $10 from amazon
Nothing to really be said about it, basic ambi plate sling attachment which i painted to match the rest of the furniture. Good buy for 10 bucks.

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Eotech 552 Holo sight - $250 from a friend
Everybody is familiar with this great sight, i didnt plan on buying one because they were too expensive for my budget build but i grabbed one off a buddy for dirt cheap. It operates as if out the box so i just painted the hood and stenciled in a maple leaf to match the rest of the furniture.

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Paint and Primer - $15 for both at Nappa
I am still debating whether or not to duracoat parts of my rifle so in the meanitime i did a quick and easy paint job with some aerosols. All i did for the stencil was go to the dollar store and buy a maple leaf sticker.

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There is still a few more things to do and i will update as soon as i do them. In the meantime, here are some more pics.

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I have the same rifle, and there is something that I installed that made it feel extreemly solid. I had a complete Rock River Arms 6 positioin adjustable stock from an Armalite M15 that I installed on the Norc M4 and let me tell you... it is SOLID as a rock and high quality. You don't just push the lever and slide/extend it... you have to pull it out.... it's so tight that i'm sure you could extend it and stand on it and it don't flex. When I got the M15 new, that's the stock that came with it. Questar has the same stock, complete for $110? IMHO it's an outstanding addition to your rifle. I ending up installing the factory Norc M4 stock on my SR-22
 
I am going to bookmark this thread.....

I wanted to build a tactical carbine and this looks AWESOME. A buddy of mine suggested we make a video so I may even do that, keep us posted.

Thank you, beautiful gun.
 
How does it shoot now, compared with how it shot before?

It shoots pretty much the same as every other ar I've used, very solid and fun. With the accessories it's just a little more comfortable and efficient to use than a bone stock ar. The only thing that I am not a huge fan of is the trigger mech, kind of gritty and not as smooth as I would like so I'll change that out. The rifle has not been fully broken in so I cannot give a full review at this point. I will say this though, I'm sure there are a lot of nice fancy ar's out there but I don't see the point of spending 3-4x the amount on them.

I've got a few more things to do and I will keep you updated. Feel free to ask me any questions
 
+1

You could have spent a little bit more and just bought a better rifle.
Or buy ammo and shoot it.

If I wanted a more expensive ar I would have bought one, I am by no means strapped for cash. I ate slept and spent every waking moment with a c7 on my back or in my hands overseas so I would like to think I know good kit. If people like sig or colt or whatever that is their preference and that's cool but I don't understand why people hate norinco so much? I don't know what a $2000 ar does that my norinco can't? To each his own tho, I would rather put the money I save into accessories and ammo.

I went on a tour of the colt factory this past summer with my unit and I asked the guy who was in charge of the factory what his thoughts on the norinco ad was, his exact words were " they are good rifles, I would buy one" now if the guy that runs the colt factory that arms our military says its good, I believe him.
 
Cool build. Buy whatever you like and have fun!!! FWIW, I spoke with the folks at north sylva awhile back and they mentioned to me that they very seldom have any returns or mechanical issues with the norinco AR's... the folks at williams arms said basically the same thing....
 
Cool build. Buy whatever you like and have fun!!! FWIW, I spoke with the folks at north sylva awhile back and they mentioned to me that they very seldom have any returns or mechanical issues with the norinco AR's... the folks at williams arms said basically the same thing....

It is a great rifle, the fact that it is cost efficient is just a huge bonus.
 
syncro
Big ups on your build. You just convinced me to get a Norc AR!! I spoke to a gentlemen at WSS when holding the Norc AR. He told me he tossed all his Norc firearms in the garbage. I think the guy was just talkin trash. Seemed like an idiot anyways. As for me I am on a budget as I do have a lil one on the way. Look forward to your finished product!!!!
 
Better to have an AR than not have one, even a Norinco. I would never buy one personally, not because I'm a brand whore, but because I know I can build one of much higher quality for just a little more money. In the end, it's your rifle and if it makes you happy, power to ya.

On a side note, dude you have got to get that medal mounted! Dangly medals are for third world dictators.
 
Nice rifle. I've always like M4 clones.
I think it's Interesting that all the "lower end" AR's are typically the ones that are expected to live through more abuse. Nobody gets a KAC or H&K as a "beater rifle". Yes they've been proven reliable, but so have like 100,000 "beater rifle" Norincos and really, how much can you ask from your rifle?
 
I agree with demented. Although I do own several Norks, the combo of "lack of attention to detail" and an aluminum M4 receiver are two things I won't put my head next to. Ill go with a manufacturer with a reputation with quality.
 
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